TIP! A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. Basketball games are won with a good defense.

The inventor of basketball was Dr. This happened in the year of 1891. Today it is beloved by players and fans all across the globe, making it a powerful force in the world of sports. Players such as Julius Erving. Many celebrities have come out of basketball. To get more out of their success, read below.

TIP! Make sure that you’re dribbling the ball correctly. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms.

Learn the mechanics of a free throw. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult. When practicing your free throw, concentrate on where you want the ball to go when it leaves your hands. Start by holding your ball before your face. Your eyes should be on the goal. You should be thinking about the ball going in the hoop. You should then shoot and try following the trajectory you visualized.

TIP! Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing.

If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand. You have to do this quickly to be good at it. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.

TIP! It is important that you practice layups. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups.

Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV. You’ll be able to learn from the moves they make.

TIP! Free throws are as mental as physical. Of course, you can show your body how to make free throws.

Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. Your opponent may change their game up to keep you on your toes. If you haven’t practiced against it, you could end up losing your grip on the game quite quickly.

TIP! Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.

A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. Playing basketball without dribbling is very challenging, but your entire team will quickly improve their passing skills. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.

TIP! You can play basketball solo before and during the season. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game.

If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs. The core links the upper and lower extremities and without a strong one, their athletic performance will be limited. A strong core provides a center of force that can be tapped through the legs while running and jumping during games.

TIP! A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent.

Look away when you practice passing. This is a simple thing that could easily confuse your opponents. Not only will they not see the pass coming, they may think a pass is going in the opposite direction. It’s a powerful play when done right.

Dribbling Skills

TIP! Good footwork will help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. Use your feet to slip around the opposing player below you, then get into position for a rebound off the rim.

To improve your dribbling skills, practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Getting by an opponent should be a lot easier if you can dribble using both hands. Don’t allow yourself to use your dominant hand when practicing. Your dribbling skills will improve with your weaker hand.

TIP! If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. This can give them an opportunity to run up to that point guard to trap them.

In order to be good at rebounding the ball off a missed free throw, you must be quick with your feet. Defenders will start to move at you, so you need to get around them to grab the ball. You won’t foul as you catch the rebound this way.

TIP! For your weaker hand, to build skills, use it off-court for as much as you can, from brushing teeth to opening jars. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity.

To trap with a 2-3 zone, have your guards cover the point guard once he gets a few feet past midcourt. They can then trap the point guard. Your forwards can sprint to block the player on both sides. Your forwards should easily be able to steal the pass that the point guard throws.

TIP! Try practicing three pointers from the NBA range in order to be a more effective three point shooter. College, as well as high school three-point lines are set at a shorter distance.

When dibbling the ball, bend your knees. The basketball is much harder to control if you stand tall and the opposing team can snatch it more easily. A bit of a bend will boost your control.

TIP! Control the ball at a level that is below your knees. Doing this makes it more difficult for members of the opposing team to steal the ball from you.

To improve 3 point shooting, practice from NBA distance, at least. That is the furthest distance that you would ever have to shoot from to score a three. If you can hit from NBA range, you can get open looks at a deeper range than a defense is probably going to mind you (until you start hitting).

TIP! Your exercise off the court needs to help your game. Sprinting exercises can help you to become faster, while running for long distances can assist you in making it through the whole game.

Improve your shooting skills by taking hundreds of different shots from all angles and distances. To help you get even better, practice dribbling the ball and quickly pulling up for a shot. Hone in on your target while you are jumping, but not before you leave the ground. That helps you boost your accuracy.

TIP! When you have the ball, know when to try to make a shot and then when to pass it off to someone who has a better shot. It’s much better being a piece in your team’s winning shot than being the one player with the shot that costs your team the game.

Keep the activity below the knees if possible. This will make it harder for opponents to get the ball away from you. Although this means bending a bit, you will be able to move quickly down the court, particularly since you will be successfully avoiding those who are attempting to get the ball from you.

TIP! Pivoting is something you must do if you wish to get good at basketball. You have to practice the footwork you do so that you can pivot without giving it a second though.

Use the hand you are not dribbling with to keep your defender away from the ball. You can’t push the person guarding you, but you can hold your arm out gently. Keep your other arm up slightly while you dribble.

TIP! Set your workout goals in writing to help you focus upon them. People work out without a plan in place.

To keep your opponent on their toes, keep your dribbling steady and regular, then surprise them. A steady dribble interrupted by a fast dribble will take your opponent by surprise and give you the advantage. Changing the speed is part of what confuses your opponent, but the difference in sound can throw him off, as well.

TIP! For basketball players with advanced skills, dribbling the ball becomes both a physical and mental task. The position of your feet and legs affects the speed and power you put behind the ball as well as where it lands.

To play basketball all you need is a rim that is ten feet high and hard pavement to bounce the ball. You must have a powerful knowledge base if you wish to play ball well. This article is just a starting point; keep on reading and practicing your skills.